175 years — like the blink of an eye.

[WalterEG]

It is generally accepted that 7th January, 1839 marks the birth of photography.  That is the day that François Arago — scientist and subsequent Prime MInister of France — announced to the Académie des Sciences, Louis Daguerre's creation of a method of capturing and preserving images seen in the camera obscura. 

The news had been leaked and announced the previous day — 6th January — in the Gazette de France by journalist Hippolyte Gaucheraud who stated, "M. Daguerre has discovered a method to fix the images which are represented at the back of a camera obscura; so that these images are not the temporary reflection of the object, but their fixed and durable impress, which may be removed from the presence of those objects like a picture or an engraving.'

Of course, there had been many images produced prior to this date, and not all by Daguerre.  William Henry Fox Talbot had been concurrently researching what was to become photography in England.

So, I guess that all we who are addicted to this drug of addiction, that photography is, should raise a glass today and thank the persistence and dedication of those who concocted the narcotic.

Hip hip hooray,

W

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

Живели! Cheers!

[Rob C]

So, I guess that all we who are addicted to this drug of addiction, that photography is, should raise a glass today and thank the persistence and dedication of those who concocted the narcotic.

Hip hip hooray,

W

Walter, the absence of emoticons tells me that you are obviously being sarcastic! Photography has filled my days (and many cold, wet-handed nights in the darkroom) and ruined my life. I might have been doing all manner of fulfilling, profitable things had I not had this goddam 'habit' to maintain all my late-teen and adult days. I can't cut it loose - it's even ruined my one crack at a decent second-childhood!

Rob C